The technically superior of the two material handling machines nominated by Still for the IFOY award is, of course, the PXV vertical order picker with its 14.5 m lifting height. However, machines like the EXH 16 hand-operated low-lift pallet truck are likely to find wider sales. It's easy to use and ideal for transport on trucks.
In fact, the 14.5 m length, combined with corresponding assistance functions, gives the robust yet not overly wide PXV a significant unique selling point. Due to the growth of online retail and brownfield applications with additional, high-bay racking, a demand of 6,000 vehicles is expected in the EMEA region alone in the coming years – growth rates could reach up to 30 percent, with improved productivity of 15 percent. Despite these excellent figures, not everyone on the jury was convinced of the actual novelty.
It may be that the level of innovation isn't exactly groundbreaking. But regardless, Martin Schmid, forklift instructor, head of technology at LogisticsInnovation.org, and IFOY test consultant, is enthusiastic about the smooth lifting and lowering action of the triple mast. "It creates a seamless movement in both directions, without the cab having to slow down when passing over the mast profile height." Added to this is the OptiSpeed system for the highest possible travel speed (up to 13 km/h) without compromising driving safety. Thanks to Easy Touch, material handling becomes even more efficient: The additional lift can be lowered to the desired picking height with the simple push of a button – a feature that certainly impressed the press contingent during their tour. The iGo pilot navigation assistance system allows for speed optimization and thus even higher throughput. Further assistance systems and numerous equipment options are individually configurable.
The side tilting barriers are beneficial, ensuring better access to the goods, as is the generous field of vision in both the load and drive direction, thanks to the flexible positioning of the control and display unit, and the spacious, shock-absorbing driver's cab. Martin Schmid has found that the PXV's ability to be controlled from both the front and rear is crucial, allowing the driver to reliably select the correct direction of travel. The IFOY testers, in agreement with the vehicle developers, have considered operator comfort a significant factor in recent years, not only for reasons of convenience but also because it is becoming increasingly difficult to find qualified employees.
Photo: Still
Still himself emphasizes user satisfaction and the simplified, intuitive operation of the PXV. This also facilitates faster and simpler employee training. However, the person recognition system prevents just anyone from simply getting in and driving off – another important feature for LI's Chief Technology Officer, Martin. From a systems perspective, the seamless integration of the PXV into customer-specific material flow management systems thanks to its MMS (Man-Machine Interface) readiness should also be mentioned.
The EXH series
The tiller-mounted device is a small, technically sophisticated, and handy piece of equipment, ideal for truck drivers, for example. LI tester Martin Schmid finds the LCD display clearly arranged, and it's available in two versions. "The controls are easy to grip. The lifting function buttons make the device easy to operate." He noted that it was occasionally a bit jerky while driving. "But that's due to the power of the drive motor compared to the vehicle's low weight.".
Photo: klk.
Various focus areas within the series allow all logistical challenges to be addressed, from horizontal transport, last-mile delivery, loading and unloading via ramps or simple order picking operations, as well as battery capacities, fork dimensions or additional equipment – naturally optionally with lead-acid or lithium-ion battery.
The EXH 14 and 16 devices in particular are ideal for transport on trucks and for last-mile applications.
Fig.: Still
Both devices can be equipped with integrated lithium-ion batteries, allowing for a particularly short L2 dimension. This means that one more Euro pallet can be transported. The shorter front overhang (up to 80 mm) makes both versions extremely maneuverable, which is especially helpful when used on trucks. Since many retail stores and distribution centers are increasingly employing female staff, a product manager explains this as a welcome advantage. Even the intuitive button layout has been carefully designed so that users of different hand sizes can easily reach all buttons.
The new drawbar allows users to select different driving programs and, if needed, even create their own custom programs. The optional touchscreen adds valuable points to this class of equipment, and according to the developers at Still, represents a "revolution in handling.".
According to statistics, pedestrian-operated low-lift pallet trucks, with a demand of almost 100,000 units in 2021 (and a continuing upward trend), represent the largest market in warehouse technology.
